March 2012

Black history month page 6

Allison Gabriel Page 8

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Northridge High School • 2901 Northridge Road • Tuscaloosa, Al• 35406

March 8, 2012 • Volume 9 • Issue 6

National Debt $15,410,000,000,000 Population Unemployed 313,101,23123,054,654

Debt Per Citizen

$49,215 What could be bought with the National Debt?

3,824,812,630 Super Bowl tickets

58,000,000

average houses 34,545,482,137 Lady Gaga tickets

Infographic designed and compiled by: Alex Hauser Information from usdebtclock.org and abcnews.com

Government spending, laziness blamed for debt Jane Yu Entertainment Editor

The United States has over $15 trillion of national debt according to usdebtclock.org.

The United States started to accumulate national debt for the Revolutionary War. The debt for the war was $75 million, but it was paid off quickly.

The amount of debt has increased a great deal since then.

Jared Lotfi, junior, said he condemns the government for causing this tremendous debt.

“Poor government spending causes the debt,” Lotfi said. “As our debt increases, our credit rating goes down.”

He said bailouts and wars are the two big obvious reasons that we have prodigious amount of debt.

Scott Johnson, math teacher, said tremendous amounts of debt started when we started to borrow money for entitlement social programs.

“Government should not spend money on social programs,” Johnson said. “[We need] self- reliance.”

He related debt problems with lazy people who are reluctant to work.

“We have 40 million on food stamps, and one fifth of the nation is unemployed,” Johnson said.

He said the laziness passes to the current students’ generation.

“This generation will be the first generation to be worse off than the generation before,” Johnson said.

He said former generations were taught better work ethic, whereas students these days play too much and are exposed too much to social media.

Johnson said a link exists between increasing college tuition and the United States tax-system.

“Tuition doubles because so many get free rides, not academically or athletically, but socioeconomically,” Johnson said.

He said those exemptions decrease the money colleges take in, thus tuition increases.

“How many people are getting privilege

by faking their socioeconomic status?” “However, the federal government has borJohnson said. “Our tax system is messed rowed money from that Trust Fund to pay up.” for other programs, and now there is not Johnson said tax is the most direct and enough money left in it to continue paying effective way for government to get mon- what has been promised.” ey. However, he said only 50% of people She said that is why we have to borrow pay federal income tax, not including those huge sums of money from China to meet who are socioeconomically exempt, so less the government our obligations to fund its money is available to the government, and program. people who are taxed are overtaxed.

She said she strongly believes that the “We are definitely overtaxed, and gov- federal government has to cut spending ernment should stop spending,” Johnson and eliminate waste and corruption. said.

“As painful as it may be, the governHe said he supports the idea of shrinking ment may have to raise taxes,” Beemer the government. said. “Cutting spending is not easy because “Small businessmen have to spend so the public expects a lot from the governmuch to keep their businesses,” Johnson ment.” said. “We have to reduce regulations on She said her outlook for our future is grim business corporations.” if the federal government continues to borHe also said row more money, and tax is not the way the debt continues to Poor government spending to fix the debt but be out of control. causes the debt. As our debt spending is.

“Our credit will be increases, our credit rating “One out of four downgraded, again, works for the govand that will cause goes down. ernment,” Johnson the government to said. “We have too owe more in interest many departments on all of those loans,” for government, Beemer said. “That and we spend too increases the debt much money supplying for military. [That further.” is a] bureaucracy.”

She said the public will have to be burBarbara Beemer, French teacher, too, dened with heavy taxes, and the federal said she thinks the national debt is caused government could go bankrupt. by the federal government spending more “If we want a preview of that possibilmoney that the government receives in ity, we can watch what is happening in taxes.

Greece,” Beemer said.

“The federal government has had to Andrew Lattner, senior, said he does not borrow money to cover its expenses,” she think there is that much of a debt problem. said.

“Something rarely known is that debt is She said, “If a family spends more mon- actually necessary for the government to ey than it has earned, the family has to function properly,” Lattner said. “The govborrow money to live and to pay the bills. ernment and the world economy are based If that practice continues, the family goes on the sale of treasury bonds, which are bankrupt.” forms of debt.”

She said one huge expense for the fedHe also said he thinks the Alabama State eral government is paying Social Security debt could have much more of an impact to retirees. on students than the national debt.

“The workers have been putting mon“It will take dozens of years to get close ey into the Social Security Trust Fund to Greece which had excessive debt and throughout their career,” Beemer said. major government cuts,” Lattner said.

“

”

-Jared Lotfi, junior

Parents can now view grades online with I-Now; program still has bugs Information Now (also called I-Now), a grading program used across Alabama, underwent updates in February to include a new feature with which parents can view their children’s grades online.

Jackie Hudgins, guidance counselor, said as long as they come to get their I-Now password, there is no reason why parents shouldn’t know how their child is doing in school.

“Some students don’t like to take progress reports and reports cards home, and now we can ensure that parents will know what kind of grades their students are making,” she said.

The I-Now program, created by the STI company, was required to be placed in all public schools across the state by the Alabama State Department of Education before the end of the 2011-2012 school year and cost $5.3 million dollars.

Though it offers useful features, like online access for parents, various teachers have had issues with the new grading program.

Pat Newman, Student Database Manager at the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education, said there were a lot of enrollment problems at the beginning of the year.

“We have also had many reports of teachers not being able to use the grading function of the program.

There are sometimes bugs in the system, too, but STI usually fixes them,” she said.

Though I-Now has its issues, Newman said there are advantages to the program, such as the fact that it is web-based and operates as one database that is accessible state-wide.

Richard Nowell, ceramics teacher, said the I-Now software doesn’t work as well

Graphic by: Alex Hauser

as it could.

“I think that they didn’t test it well enough before it was mandated to be in all schools,” he said.

Quincy Collins, English teacher, said he doesn’t have any trouble with everyday use of I-Now, but runs into problems sometimes with specific step-bystep tasks.

“If I have issues with it, I’ll usually ask another teacher if they know how to fix it, or I can Google it to see if I can find an answer,” he said.

Collins said he liked the idea of I-Now, but not its implementation.

“The original intent was for teachers to have access to their grades from anywhere, but it seems like

it was just thrown on the teachers without any preparation,” Collins said.

Some students have fluctuating or incorrect grades because of the program, like Sarah Cassel, junior.

“It has made some of my grade averages higher and lower than they should be, and slows down the grading process because some teachers have to do grades by hand,” Cassel said.

Newman said the State Department of Education will likely continue to use I-Now. “As long as the state requires its use, we don’t really have a choice. They’ve put a lot into this program, and I think STI will be able to make it better in the future,” she said.

Teachers, do you like I-Now?

30 25

Number of Teachers

Trent Clanton News Editor

20

15 10 5 Yes

No

Infographic designed by: Alex Hauser Information compiled by: Jah’meka Baxter

2

Opinion

The Northridge Reporter March 8, 2012

Our Thoughts Respect goes a long way Behavior at program needs to improve

B

lack History Month honors the various AfricanAmericans throughout history who sacrificed so much and worked hard at gaining equality between different races, making it a very important time of the year for many.

The staff and students of Northridge work hard at preparing a special Black History assembly each year for students of each grade.

This assembly includes performances from the chorus group and individual monologues from chosen students, as well as a guest inspirational speaker.

But some students see it as a waste of time and just an opportunity to get out of class.

This results in rowdy behavior among these students in the audience during the assembly, which presents the school in a very bad light in front of guests such as members of the school board.

Whether or not the topic pertains to you, simple etiquette includes being respectful about it instead of loudly criticizing everyone on stage. This is something that everyone is capable of.

Art by: Trent Clanton

Locked out

Inaccessible bathrooms explained to student

agree (26) disagree (0)

Sarah Katherine Barnes Staff Writer

Visit us on Facebook and check out our website at Northridgereporter.wordpress.com Northridge High School 2901 Northridge Road Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 759-3734 ext. 235

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Editorial Policy: The opinions in The Northridge Reporter are those of the students and not of the faculty or administration of Northridge High School or the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education. It is the policy of The Northridge Reporter to publish all non-obscene, non-libelous, signed letters to the editor, regardless of the opinion expressed in them. All letters must be submitted to Mrs. Newell in room 109 or emailed to northridgereporter@gmail.com. The Northridge Reporter reserves the right to edit letters and verify allegations.

Tuscaloosa City Board Policy: It is the official policy of the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, sex, religion, national origin, age or creed, be excluded for participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subject to discrimination under any program, activity or employment.

My frustrations start the moment I awake.

I wake up in the morning just like any other teenager, unwilling to peel myself from the comfort of my bed.

By the time I finally get up, it’s later than it should be, and I skip breakfast to make it to school on time.

There’s just one problem: I’m a girl, and I missed a very important part of the morning in my haste: makeup.

Luckily for me, I keep my makeup bag in my backpack, and I can just put it on in the bathroom mirror at school.

I walk into school and head for the first bathroom I spot, which is right there, conveniently placed next to the entrance of the

school. I reach out to push open the door and…

It’s locked.

Understandable doors to lock in a school: meeting room, utilities room, locker, teacher’s room Barne after the tardy bell, sups plies closet, or a safe.

It was hard for me to understand why anyone would lock a bathroom door.

Think of all the reasons to keep a bathroom door unlocked. Yeah, that’s what I was thinking too. I couldn’t wrap my head around why anyone would walk out of a bathroom, turn around and lock it.

I was actually so upset over this phenomenon of bathroom door locking that it actually drove me to addressing the matter in the newspaper.

I marched myself upstairs to Mrs. Box’s office and made a

complaint.

To my surprise, she actually had a few good reasons for locking those doors; I was a bit embarrassed.

Mrs. Box said she does have control over these doors, and she locks them for valid purposes.

Sometimes there are malfunctions with commodes. By locking the bathroom door, she’s sparing students from getting surprises when they flush the toilet.

She also said some students smoke in the bathrooms, and she has to lock the doors to those bathrooms until the smell clears out.

There’s also someone vandalizing the inside of the bathrooms near Mrs. Torain’s room with profane language, and the doors had to be locked until that was cleaned up. The police are still working on identifying the culprit.

Mrs. Box said she tries to keep all the bathroom doors open for the convenience of the students.

Use of illicit substances in bathrooms irks sophomore James Roberts Staff Writer It’s times like this when I get exceptionally infuriated with the immaturity of certain students (as if I needed anything else in my life to get aggravated over.)

I mean, really? You’re going to smoke in the school? And even though you picked the bathroom there’s a consequence you either did not foresee, realized it and didn’t care, or you thought you could pin it on the next person, which is downright diabolical.

Here’s the story: one morning in February I went to the bathroom and was immediately struck with the smell of cigarette smoke.

I admit it would’ve been wise to just go to another bathroom so that what happened to me afterwards wouldn’t have happened, but then again it was an emergency.

I went into one of the stalls, and what would’ve been a time for me to catch a little peace of mind was ruined by the odor of cigarettes. Then it got worse.

A policeman walked in and saw my feet under Robert the stalls, while minding my own business. s He ruined my chances of catching a quick break from school by asking me to get out of there to make sure I was not the one smoking (May I add I was not exactly in the position to get out of there at the moment?) I told him it wasn’t me. I got frisked; he found nothing that would make him suspicious, asked for my name and that’s that.

It doesn’t seem like much, but I’d rather have not become a temporary suspect of juvenile smoking because I don’t smoke, drink or anything for that matter. I actually want to live a long, happy, successful life here on Earth instead of wasting away the gifts I was born with. That is all.

The Northridge Reporter March 8, 2012

Entertainment

3

Photos by: Sara Beth Hartley

The Transportation Museum chronicles local transportation.

Travel to the past:

Transportation museum opens in Tuscaloosa Sara Beth Hartley Staff writer What was known as a historic bath house has now been transformed into a museum illustrating the history and background of Tuscaloosa and West Alabama.

In May 2005, The Alabama Department of Transportation awarded the city a grant to convert the facility into a museum. The Mildred Warner Westervelt Transportation Museum opened its doors Tuesday, Dec. 13.

The museum features artifacts, replications, photographs and iPad displays of Tuscaloosa’s history; reflected through rivers, roads, rails and other forms of transportation.

With today’s 21st century technology, the museum adds a “high-tech” touch while still delivering a historic and surreal look and experience.

As for the younger visitors, the museum obtains a child-friendly area—which is all hands-on so that the younger generation

can learn as well.

The display area for artifacts and exhibits in the museum has features of the original shower stalls, and the walls that were removed from the original design have been retained in the form of black lines on the floor that mimic the original floor plan of the bath house which was used from 1943 to 1989.

This facility will definitely benefit the community and will educate us on our city’s history.

Photo by: Sara Beth Hartley

A Moundville Indian paddles a canoe.

Drama department will present Once Upon a Mattress Sara Beth Hartley Staff Writer The theatre department will be performing Once Upon a Mattress in April as their spring musical.

Craig First, junior, said he thinks the play will be enjoyable. “[The play] is a comical retelling of the story of The Princess and the Pea,” he said.

First said when they are deciding plays, they have to think of the students.

“We have to take into account how many people would audition, the appropriateness of the play and what people will enjoy,” First said.

McCall Robinson, senior, said she thinks students and faculty will love the play.

“This show has a lot of really great characteristics, and the music is great. It’s also really funny with a lot of that teenage humor thrown in. Anyone who likes ‘The Princess and the Pea’ story is bound

to love it,” Robinson said.

Robinson said she auditioned for the play.

“Well, ideally, I auditioned for the Queen,” she claimed. “But we didn’t really specify which role we wanted.”

Once Upon a Mattress will run April 2728 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.

Nick Pappas, senior, SaVannah McLaughlin, sophomore, and Caroline First, freshman, are also in the cast.

Photo captured by Jane Yu

The main point of Temple Run is to run away as far as you can and gain as many coins as possible while being chased by zombie monkeys.

Graphic by Jane Yu

University Orthodontics, PC 641 Helen Keller Boulevard Tel: (205) 553-2524

UNIVERSITY ORTHODONTICS

Temple Run becomes new craze Marcellus Taylor Staff Writer Stealing an idol and getting chased by monkeys is more fun than it sounds. The new game “Temple Run” found in the free app section of the app store for iPods, iPhones and iPads, has become cool to some students at school.

Samantha Burroughs, freshman, said she plays “Temple Run” every day after school.

Drama students place in Thespian contest Charles Lane, Sean Miller, and Colin Hammond: 1st place in Short Film Nicholas Pappas: 2nd place in Solo Male Acting Nick Motz and Alex Stella: 3rd place in Duo Comedic

Fax: (205) 553-6617

“Your Orthodontist On The Black Warrior River”

Robert C. Haraway, Jr., D.M.D., M.S. CHILDREN & ADULT ORTHODONTICS

“It’s fun and all my friends are playing it,” Burroughs said. “It’s like an arcade game because you run from monkeys and jump over obstacles.”

Daryl Pham, freshman, said he plays “Temple Run” every day.

“It’s super fun and full of action. I always try to get a higher score,” Pham said.

Kayla Pate, freshman, said, “Temple Run” is about collecting coins.

“It stimulates my mind, and I play every day because it’s so addicting,” Pate said.

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752-4343 Go Jaguars!

P. MIKE UPTON, DMD, MS

4

Feature

The Northridge Reporter March 8, 2012

Demopublican?

Newly eligible voters consider presidential possibilities Nick Motz Staff Writer In the coming 2012 presidential election, the same question is on everyone’s mind… “Who do you support?” Some say Gingrich. Others Ron Paul. And some say Obama should be re-elected.

However, what makes this election different from the others is that many high school students around us will be

eligible to vote by the time the polls open.

This can be an unnerving thought. Just how politically involved are the eighteen year olds of this generation?

Connor Woodruff, senior, said, “I was never really into politics at all until Herman Cain got big. It was really impressive to me that he was such an average guy who could make a difference.”

Interestingly enough, it appears that most students

don’t support any candidates. Not because of involvement or ignorance, but because there are simply no supportable candidates.

Colt Wrobel, junior, said, “This just may be the worst election ever, and I know that I don’t have the greatest understanding of politics, but it’s sad because I know more than most people.”

Some say that political involvement is not an important attribute.

Victoria Camp, freshman, said, “Politics is important to an extent, but as high schoolers we shouldn’t be too involved in anything like that.”

In the 2008 presidential election, hundreds of students dedicated their support to Barack Obama.

Obama mainly won support for his charisma and

youthful appeal. However, in 2012, the same following may not accompany him.

Mackenzie Underwood, senior, said, “I don’t support anyone just because they’re youthful or good looking; I support them for their views. But even then I find it hard to support anyone because they all do crooked things, and every politician seems to become consumed by greed. Even when I support someone’s views little is ever done by them to enforce these views.”

Anna Schwartz, chemistry teacher, said, “I feel that lots of students are very easily influenced by those around them, and rarely know how they truly feel about matters of importance.”

Many high school students, politically active or not, will all eventually turn eighteen, and therefore become eligible to vote. Every citizen in the United States of America has a right to vote, which was bought in the blood of the founding fathers of our country.

Artwork by Renu Pandit

Main candidates and their views

Rick Santorum

Ron Paul

Barack Obama

Mitt Romney

Newt Gingrich

Party

Republican

Republican

Democrat

Republican

Republican

Abortion

Pro-Life

Pro-Life

Pro-Choice

Pro-Life

Pro-Life

Against

Let states decide

Approve

Against

Against

Against

Let states decide

Approve

Against

Against

Roman-Catholic

Baptist

Protestant

Mormon

Roman-Catholic

Same-sex marriage Stem cell research Religion

Designed by Renu Pandit. Photos from MCT Campus. Information from www.findthedata.com.

5

Feature

The Northridge Reporter March 8, 2012

Republicrat?

Election Day nears, new voters

begin registration, candidate selection

Which candidate do you support?

22

Barack Obama 13

Rick Santorum

15

Yes

9

Newt Gingrich

5

=5

Compiled by Jah'meka Baxter. Designed by Renu Pandit.

63 students polled.

20

No

14

Mitt Romney Ron Paul

Do you think you are politically active?

0

5

10

15

20

Compiled by Jah'meka Baxter. Designed by Renu Pandit.

35 students polled.

Along with right comes responsibility

Registration seen as sign of maturation Aasiyah Sullivan Staff Writer Although the voting process can seem complicated, it can be fairly simple.

Katie Plott, senior, said she is very involved with politics and thinks it’s important for teenagers to know about registering to vote.

“Teens should know about voting because it’s a privilege, and it’s a civic duty granted to us. In some countries, someone is voted for you, and you can’t have your own opinion,” Plott said.

She said knowing certain aspects of the voting process is very important.

“When teens go out to vote, they should know who they are voting for and what party they are in. Also, they need to know what district they live in, so they can know the specific place to vote,” she said.

Plott said teenagers need to know all the information about each candidate.

“Before they vote, teens should research each candidate and see their views on subjects. You can look at their personal web sites, unbiased web sites like The Washington Times, or news channels like CNN or Fox News,” she said.

Plott said watching the debates helps her make a decision on who to vote for.

“It’s important for teens to watch the political debates on TV because in my

opinion, if they are showing it on TV, it’s important. When I watch the debates, I usually look at how the candidate acts, what they stand for and how they will act on a specific subject,” Plott said.

She said teens don’t think about some of the issues that are being talked about recently.

“There are some important issues that teens should know about when they vote. They should think about the ones that affect them personally, but they should also pay attention to national and foreign issues,” Plott said.

Artwork by Renu Pandit

She said teenagers should talk about candidates with their friends, so they can get each other’s opinion.

“When you turn eighteen, you are basically an adult.

You shouldn’t ignore the government, you should be involved,” Plott said.

Sherri Shuttlesworth, history teacher, said teens should know about voting because they will soon make a difference.

“Teens tend to think that their vote doesn’t make a difference, so they just don’t participate. Politicians listen to the people who vote, and those people tend to get what they want or need. If teens want changes in the world, they must start getting involved in voting,” Shuttlesworth said.

Shuttlesworth said that registering to vote is a simple process and can be done quickly.

“People can vote in the open primary, closed primary, run-off if it’s needed, a caucus in some states and the general elections,” s h e said.

Shuttlesworth said this generation doesn’t know if they are Democrat or Republican, so it makes their decision much harder.

“A teenager will know if they are Republican if they oppose gay marriage, and abortion, and they support gun rights.

If they are a Democrat, they will favor farmers, laborers, labor unions and ethnic minorities,” Shuttlesworth said.

She said there are few qualifications to register to vote.

“You must be a citizen of the United States, you have to reside in Alabama, and to vote in Alabama, you must be at least eighteen years old and must not have been convicted of any felony. Once you meet these qualifications, you can register. You can download a registration card at www.sos. state.al.us.” Shuttlesworth said.

6

News

The Northridge Reporter March 8, 2012

Black History Month sparks interest, helps teach about important historical events Regan Walker Staff Writer

Black History Month is about the people who have fought and sacrificed their lives so that everyone, no matter their race, gender or ethnicity, can have equal opportunities in life.

The meaning of Black History Month differs among people. Some people think Black History Month is just to acknowledge black people that have played a major role in history; others take Black History Month to another level and remember all the events and people that are not so famous in history.

Quincy Collins, English teacher, said Black History Month is very important because it raises cultural awareness for the African American community.

“It gives younger generations the opportunity to realize the importance of the struggles that African Americans had to endure,” Collins said.

Collins said Fredrick Douglas is his favorite person because he first had the idea that there needs to be a sense of equality for all. “[Fredrick Douglas] was an abolitionist,” Collins said. “He realized the importance of education, but most importantly he was a visionary because he wanted things for African Americans, that other African Americans didn’t think was possible.”

Condoleezza Rice He said the first thing he thinks of when he Image from MCT Campus hears “Black History” is the celebration of the importance of African Americans.

“I think of what Black History means to me personally, especially growing up in the Black Belt of Alabama,” Collins said. “I also think of how personally I am able to witness the barriers that I break being an African American male teacher; I think I am a product of Black History.”

He said he thinks the most important events in Black History is the Selma to Montgomery walk and Bloody Sunday because of the national attention they brought to the Civil Rights Movements.

“The Selma march caused a lot of events to transpire for the fight for equality,” Collins said.

He said that people that don’t take Black History Month seriously are depriving themselves of a unique and motivating experience. “[Black History Month] is not just isolated to African Americans, it is a part of U.S. and world history,” Collins said. “People who are not knowledgeable about Black History will eventually find themselves facing the same things that African Americans faced.”

Maddy Ingram, sophomore, said the most monumental event in Black History to her is the movement led by Martin Luther King, Jr. “[His movement] changed history,” Ingram said.

Ingram said her favorite person in Black History is Rosa Parks.

President proposes new drop-out age Law would require school until 18 years old

Russell said.

Davis Jordan, junior, said he thinks it’s the student’s personal choice.

“It’s up to the stuDuring his dents to decide. Since State of the they are 18, and are Union speech now legal adults, they on Jan. 24, can make their own President Badecisions from then rack Obama on. If they feel like proposed that they want to drop all students out, they can,” Jordan remain in said. school until Beth Gabriel, juthey reach 18. nior, said she thinks Lane Rusit will help with the sell, junior, future. said she loves “I think the prothis idea. posal is a great idea “ Te e n s because if they stay aren’t adults in school, people until they are will end up having a 18, and they better life with betdon’t have the Image from MCT Campus ter jobs to go along experience yet to be out President Obama addresses requiring students to with it. Having of school and stay in school during his State of the Union Ad- a high school didress. Obama will be running for president again ploma can get you living on their in the 2012 election. more job opportuniown,” Russell ties than you might said.

Russell said she thinks school is the key think,” Gabriel said.

Gabriel said she thinks this will crefor all students—no matter what.

“All students should stay in school. If ate more jobs.

“The more students the school has, there are students who are hindering the education of others, then they should be put the more teachers are needed,” Gabriel into a different room or written up. Having said. kids in school keeps them out of trouble,” Sara Beth Hartley Staff Writer

“I think she made such an impact in society,” Ingram said. “She made people respect her and showed she wasn’t afraid to stand up for what she believed in.”

Erin Baggett, history teacher, said Black History Month is a time for celebration.

“In one month, people in the U.S. are able to learn about historical events that have ultimately contributed to the successful development of our country,” Baggett said. “It is also an opportunity for people to reminisce about the journey that African Americans have endured in the walk for equality.”

Baggett said Condoleezza Rice is her favorite person in Black History because she symbolizes strength.

“She is highly educated in various areas. She is also capable of dealing with foreign affairs, which is quite stressful and at times controversial,” Baggett said.

She said when she hears “Black History,” she thinks about the things she learned after she visited the Civil Rights museum in Memphis this past summer. She said she was able to see another side of the Civil Rights movement.

“I saw and heard accounts of many African American men and women who personally sacrificed so much,” Baggett said. “They struggled every day, but were willing to do anything to get rid of the discrimination and prejudice they faced, even die.”

Baggett said she gets very aggravated when people question why there is a month highlighting any cause.

“I feel it shows a lack of interest on the [person’s part], but it also displays how selfish and ignorant people can be in today’s society,” Baggett said.

D’aira Branch, senior, said Black History Month means a lot to her.

“It’s the month that we can celebrate and have a good time with one another,” Branch said.

Branch said her favorite person in Black History is Rosa Parks.

“She was a very strong black woman, that was willing to fight, without violence, for what she believed in,” Branch said.

Branch said that Black History Month is the one month out of the year that African Americans are really noticed for their accomplishments and their role in shaping today’s society.

"Phenomenal Man"

by Sidney Watson

Lacorey Pratcher, sophomore, recites the poem "Phenomenal Man" at the Black History Month program on Feb. 23. He was preceded

by Aasiyah Sullivan, senior, who recited the poem "Phenomenal Woman." Dr. B. Joyce Stallworth from the University of Alabama also spoke at the program.

Photo by: Aasiyah Sullivan

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Sports

The Northridge Reporter March 8, 2012

Outstanding Athlete: Faith Lancaster

Girl’s soccer checkpoint

Bright future ahead for motivated senior Sara Katherine Barnes Staff Writer It was just six years ago when Faith Lancaster, senior, began playing basketball for Tuscaloosa Middle School. Now, the high school standout has accumulated over 1000 points for the Jaguars.

She said she hopes to continue her career at the college level either at the University of Georgia, Mississippi State or the University of Alabama, which is her father’s alma mater.

Senior Sarah Stuart praised her teammate.

“She’s smart and pretty with a bright future,” Stuart said. “She’s such a great player, and she’s been making awesome shots since seventh grade.”

Head coach John Cain said Lancaster is

a model student and athlete.

“She is a fitting example of what my daughter should strive to be,” Cain said.

Lancaster seems to be following right in her father’s footsteps. Her father Bryant Lancaster winner of the 1991 Alabama “Mr. Basketball” award, played basketball for the University of Alabama.

Mr. Lancaster said he believed being a former basketball player influenced his daughter to play basketball. He said that he’s been practicing with her since she was six years old.

Teammate Aerial Horton, junior, said that Lancaster is a huge asset to the team.

“She is motivating with a great sense of humor that keeps everybody going during practice,” Horton said. “Since seventh grade, she has never had a negative attitude.

“

She’s smart and pretty with a bright future. She’s such a great player, and she’s been making awesome shots since seventh grade.

Sarah Stuart, senior

Photo by: Blake Benson

Faith Lancaster, senior, sets up to shoot a free throw at the NHS vs.

TCHS game on Jan. 13.

7

”

Season Stats:

Wins: 4 Losses: 2 “This year we are more like friend’s than ever before,” Mary Leigh Derry, sophomore, said.

Photo by: Beth Allaway

Served

Arnold, Cooper bring experience to team Jane Yu Entertainment Editor Thomas Arnold was the No.1 high school tennis player last year.

Playing tennis since the age of ten, Arnold said he is really strong at serving and forehand.

Arnold said he sometimes faces hardships playing tennis.

“The mental part is the hardest side of tennis,” Arnold said. “I get really frustrated when I play tennis.”

“It is so frustrating because no one can play his or her best all the time,” Arnold said. “No one always plays well.”

Arnold said he gets frustrated when he loses to someone he should have beaten.

“I really get mad and my reaction after the game just depends on how bad the game was,” Arnold said.

Arnold said that during the game he calms himself with “deep breaths.”

“Once I was losing by 6-0, 5-0, and I came back and [beat] some guy from Louisiana,” Arnold said. “That was my best match.”

David Arnold, Thomas’ brother, said Thomas is “smart, athletic, but sometimes shy.” But most of all, he contributes greatly to the tennis team.

Another star of the tennis team is David Cooper, senior, from Texas.

“My intensity keeps me working as hard as I can,” Cooper said.

Calling himself “competitive,” Cooper

Photo by: Nick Motz

David Cooper,senior, makes a serve at practice. Cooper moved here from Texas this year and has been playing since his freshman year.

said his first experience with a tennis competition was when he was twelve.

“It [the competition] was the first time to lose,” Cooper said, “so [at twelve years old] I started to cry.”

He said the best match he ever played was a match which he lost.

“I was a sophomore, and it was the semifinal,” Cooper said. “I played against the No.5 kid in Texas.”

Cooper said that although he lost, he learned a lot and tried his best.

Cooper said losing is hard on everyone and, he is no exception.

“Whenever I lose, I definitely like to be left alone and sometimes say things that I should not say,” Cooper said. “But later, I try to think of a way to be better next time.”

Cooper said, losing just reminds him of one simple fact: in tennis there is always someone who is better than you.

“You always have to work to be better,” Cooper said. “You get what you put into it.”

John Cain, tennis coach, said he thinks the boys tennis team has the potential of being the strongest team in several years.

“The majority of the team from last year came back,” Cain said, “and they have been working hard off season also.”

Cain said Thomas has been playing for Northridge since he was in 8th grade.

“Thomas has been an epitome of a leader,” Cain said.

Cain said, “He [Cooper] will make everyone stronger, if he does what he is capable of doing.”

Graphic by: Trent Clanton

Photo by: Beth Allaway

Thomas Arnold, senior, hits a forehand while returning a ball during practice.

Thomas is the number two seed for the team. He has been a member of the high school team since eighth grade.

The Northridge Reporter March 8, 2012

Allison said she knew she would pass it because she had God on her side.

“My mom told everyone to pray that I would pass the exit exams, and God answered our prayers,” she said. “I really wanted to graduate, so it was important that I passed. God helped me with that.”

Beth said Allison prays for everything, “big or small.”

“I pray because I feel like I’m talking to God about what is going on in my life. I know He cares. He always helps me with my struggles and gets me out of darkness,” Allison said.

Allison even prays for her basketball team, who went 25 and 6 this season.

Relationship with God

exam was just another goal to accomplish, and they had God behind her.

“That was just my goal for her, to graduate. I knew God was going to let her. For her to get where she is, she works hard,” Susan said.

Allison passed her last portion of the exit exams, the history portion, during the first semester of her senior year.

“I felt absolutely amazing, and when I passed it, I thought I was smarter than anyone, which I am, because I’m a senior,” she said, laughing.

Her mother said “she likes to study. She likes to write.

She wrote facts over and over again. That’s how she passed the history part.”

Allison’s sister, Beth, said that she was really excited when Allison passed the history portion.

“I know she’s a hard worker and all of her hard work paid off,” Beth said. “She has a really good memory. She remembers everything. I knew she could [pass] it.”

I did.”

Beth said she loved watching Allison play during the season.

“She’s really enthused about playing. It’s her senior year and she’s excited to play. You can just see that she’s having fun,” she said.

“I get so nervous [when I watch her play]. Whenever she gets the ball I get an adrenaline rush. I want her to score so badly.”

Beat 8

“I ask God to help us win all the games. That’s why we had a great season,” she said.

Basketball Allison has been playing basketball since she was six and played on the school’s girls basketaball team.

“I’ve been playing for a long time, but I’m ten times better than when I first started playing,” she said. “It helps me make new friends, and I like having something to focus on.”

Susan said Allison practices all the time when she is at home.

“She has always liked playing.

In sixth grade she got a basketball clipboard and was researching basketball plays,” Susan said.

Allison is an encourager to her teammates and they encourage her in return.

“I try to keep the team motivated when they feel down because they do the same for me,” she said. “We all love each other like sisters, we’re a Northridge family.”

Susan said she had the team behind her, and their support helped her score three goals during the season.

“The whole team cheers her on.

When she scored, they jumped up and high fived her. They encourage her during practice, too,” she said. “She’s a good cheerleader.

She has confidence in everyone.

They can do anything. She gets discouraged because she can’t run as fast as anyone, but it’s just because she’s 4’ 10”.”

During a game at Hillcrest, the coach called her to go into the game, but she had to take off a bracelet she had on after a Christian conference.

“I didn’t want to take it off because I wanted to tell my friends about the next conference. It was a reminder,” Allison said. “My mom yanked it off my arm. She knew I was going to score. And

Allison said she has a “really strong relationship” with her sister, and they don’t fight, they just pick on each other.

“We don’t fight nearly as much as other sisters do. We get along really well,” Beth said.

Allison and Beth encourage each other in everything they do.

“I just feel that I’m glad to know that somebody’s always there to support me. I like knowing she’s always there for me.

She’s my biggest fan,” Beth said.

Susan said that Allison has a “heart like Jesus” and is friends with everybody.

“She’s very friendly. She loves being around people and knows everybody’s name,” Susan said.

Beth said that Allison is a big role model because she is very forgiving and loves everybody.

“Allison is that type of person that knows everyone, whether they know her or not. I tell everyone that you could go punch her in the face, and she will still love you. She never holds a grudge, even when she should,” Beth said.

Allison said that she was meant to be friends with everybody.

“God told me to be friends with people, so I am,” she said.

Susan said that her philosophy is not to set limits, to try it and fail, instead of not trying at all.

“When it comes back to it, we just used what was given to us. We would focus on what she needed to work with,” she said.

Friendships

Senior strives towards excellence despite limitations Alex Hauser Editor-in-Chief

Passing the exit exams Allison Gabriel, senior, never quits.

She said she “tries to do everything a hundred and ten percent,” whether it is basketball or studying for classes.

Allison’s mom, Susan Gabriel, said that passing the graduation

Photo by: Beth Allaway Allison Gabriel, senior, guides her team to victory against Hillcrest on Jan. 20. The team went on to beat Hillcrest 7150.

March 8, 2012 Volume 9 Issue 6

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